Fall Festival Brings Students Together for Food, Music, and Trail Ride Dancing
By Demond Brisco
Under the warm afternoon sun, the Xavier University campus came alive with laughter, music, and the smell of roasted marshmallows for this year’s Fall Festival. Students filled the University Center yard on Oct. 24 for an afternoon of good food, games, and southern-inspired fun, complete with s’mores, apple cider drinks, and trail ride dancing that had everyone on their feet.
“This year’s fall festival really felt like a family reunion,” said Makenna Mincey, a junior Mass Communication major who helped with the coverage for the event. “The weather was perfect, the music was great, and everyone was just in a good mood. It was one of those moments that reminded you why you love Xavier.”
With fresh snacks and seasonal treats, students gathered around fire pits to roast marshmallows, sip apple cider, and take photos with friends. The festival atmosphere was vibrant and relaxed, a much-needed break from the pace of midsemester exams.
Adding to the excitement was trail ride–style dancing, where students moved to a mix of zydeco, R&B, and New Orleans bounce. The energy was contagious as groups formed dance circles, cheering each other on and enjoying the moment.
“The trail ride dancing was my favorite part,” said D’Andre Dumas, a senior Biology Pre-Med major and Chemistry minor. “It brought a different kind of energy. Everyone was smiling, dancing together, and it really showed how close our campus community is.”
Beyond the music and games, students agreed the event captured the spirit of Xavier, community, joy, and belonging.
“I think events like this remind us that community is part of the Xavier experience,” Mincey said. “It’s about celebrating who we are outside the classroom too.”
As the afternoon wrapped up, students left with smiles, full stomachs, and plenty of photos to remember the day. The Fall Festival proved once again that at Xavier, there’s always time to come together and always something to celebrate.
